Founded in 1976 Les Petits Ballets is a ballet school and performing company offering high quality, affordable dance education for all ages, abilities and interests in a positive and encouraging environment.

Ballet training is based on the Russian (Vaganova) method.

We recognize the importance of performing as a vital part of training for aspiring dance students and provide a unique opportunity for students to perform on stage with Les Petits Ballets' performing company.

Classes are offered at the bright, spacious studios at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre.

Les Petits Ballets is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The Recreational Program provides an opportunity for young students to experience the joy of movement and music in a positive and encouraging environment. We offer Creative Dance and Ballet classes for students, ages three and up.

The Pre-professional program offers progressive ballet training for aspiring young dancers in Russian (Vaganova) method. The program is designed to prepare students for annual examinations and to participate in our full-length story ballet productions. Acceptance into the Pre-professional program is by audition.

The Adult program is designed for individuals who want to experience the joy of movement through dance. We offer classes in the afternoons, evenings and on weekends for adults of all fitness levels and dance experience.

Teachers and Staff

Director Of Dance

Eva Zielinski S.R.B. Adv. is a graduate of the National Ballet School of Poland. She danced professionally with Baltic State Opera and Ballet Company in Gdansk, Grand Theatre in Lodz, Poland and Polish Folk Dance Ensemble "Mazowsze".

Eva earned her Master Degree in Ballet Pedagogy from the F. Chopin University of Music in Warsaw and taught classical ballet at the National Ballet School in Gdansk, Poland before moving to Canada in 1982. She holds her Advanced Teacher’s Certificate with the Society of Russian Ballet and is a former examiner of the Society.

Eva has been teaching for Les Petits Ballets since 1986.

Choreographer

Born and raised in Ottawa Canada, Joanna Hughes began her dance training at the age of four. By the time she was nine, she appeared at the National Arts Center performing with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in the Nutcracker. Continuing her studies under the strict discipline at Les Petits Ballets, Joanna completed her advanced ballet exams with distinction. Although ballet was her foundation, Joanna also studied Jazz dance at Le Jazz Hot, as well as Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Broadway Dance Center and Steps in New York City. At the age of 18 she left home to work aboard the Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Joanna returned to NY to further her professional dance and acting studies at Dance Space and HB Studios. During her time in NY, she continued her career in performing arts, working as a model, dancer and actress. She appeared in TV, film and commercials. She successfully opened her own performing arts company, choreographing and producing full length productions from concept to stage.

Joanna has worked as the choreographer with Les Petits Ballets since September 2012. Her past performances include Cinderella, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty.

Ballet Teacher

Alyssa started dancing when she was just five-years old. She trained in all disciplines of dance including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, and musical theatre. While dancing in Ottawa, she participated in B.A.T.D examinations for jazz and ballet and received many B.A.T.D scholarships. When she was 15, Alyssa moved to Markham, Ontario, to enhance her dance training. There, she studied the Vaganova method of ballet. Over the years, she has attended numerous dance workshops and conventions, and has been privileged to work with many renowned choreographers in the dance industry. After graduating from high school, Alyssa was hired by Carnival Cruise Lines, where she performed as a dancer on board their ships, before returning to Ottawa to attend university. She has since become a graduate of Carleton University with a B.Sc. in Neuroscience, and is wishing to pursue a career in medicine.

Alyssa has been a part of the competitive dance world for over fifteen years. She has a true passion for what she does. She loves teaching and watching her students grow and mature in dance. Alyssa is thrilled that she is able to share her love of dance with her students.

Ballet Teacher and Office Administrator

Donna Caron began her ballet training in Montreal, Quebec under the direction of Midge Small. She began teaching ballet at Scarcella School of Dance in 1979 after training with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. While attending University in Toronto she danced at Ryerson University and Toronto Dance Theatre. She resumed teaching in 1999 at Classical Ballet Academy where she taught for six years.

Donna has been teaching with Les Petits Ballets since 2006 and has been Les Petits Ballets’ Office Administrator since 2008.